Chef Jade Cunningham

Born and raised in Bulacan, Philippines, Chef Jade Mauricio Cunningham’s love for cooking began when she was just seven years old, helping her aunt prepare vegetables for beloved Filipino dishes like pancit and Lugaw (rice porridge) at a small neighborhood eatery. Her early culinary experiences blossomed into a family tradition, where Jade proudly represented the Mauricio family at her grandmother’s gatherings, centered around a banquet of home- cooked dishes—moments that deepened her connection to food and family. When her parents moved abroad for work, Jade  assumed a caretaker role for her siblings, nurturing a strong sense of responsibility that would later shape her leadership in the kitchen. She went on to earn a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management at La Consolacion University Philippines. At 16, she was selected for an international training program that brought her to Cincinnati, Ohio, as a Culinary Assistant—her first taste of cooking in a professional kitchen abroad. She later returned to the Philippines to train with the Finance Department at Hyatt’s City of Dreams Manila, gaining a broad understanding

of hotel operations. But the kitchen continued to call her—and so did California.

After graduating in 2018, Jade joined The Meritage Resort and Spa as a Line Chef, where she explored California’s rich agricultural bounty. When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the industry, the volunteered at the iconic French Laundry, working alongside chefs Thomas Keller and David Breeden. Inspired by their mentorship, she joined the team as a commis and quickly rose to Chef de Partie, mastering various stations in one of the world’s most celebrated kitchens. In December 2022, driven by a desire to honor her roots, Jade launched a late-night Filipino pop-up. It sold out instantly—and each one that ollowed drew even more enthusiastic crowds. Encouraged by the overwhelming response and supported by her mentors at The French Laundry, she continued hosting the pop-ups while balancing her demanding kitchen role. The success of those gatherings inspired Jade to take a bold next step: founding Carabao Napa LLC. She left The French Laundry to focus full- time on her own culinary vision.

Now, located in the heart of beautiful Napa Valley, Carabao is poised to become the region’s premier destination for Filipino cuisine. From its humble beginnings as a pop-up, Carabao has remained committed to showcasing the

vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of the Philippines. With its first brick-and-mortar restaurant, Jade offers a welcoming space where guests can immerse themselves in the enticing aromas and bold tastes of Filipino cooking.